Putnam County Jail At Risk Of Losing Certification

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – A mid-state jail is at risk of losing its certification if things aren’t cleaned up in 60 days.

It’s not the first time the Putnam County jail has failed a state inspection and the rush to make improvements is costing taxpayers.

Putnam County Sheriff David Andrews said running the nearly 19-year-old facility is a never ending routine. What has also become routine: the results of the Putnam County jail inspection from the Tennessee Corrections Institute.

“I would say that we failed because they say they are going to re-inspect us in 60 days. I assume that’s their procedure,” said Andrews.

Sheriff Andrews said the county simply isn’t giving him enough money. He said things that would appear to be a small problem can quickly become a big problem when it comes to certification. If the jail loses its certification it can no longer house state prisoners and they will lose nearly $700,000.